Tell my again why Woodley wouldn't be a good fit at OLB? - New England Patriots Forums

midwestpatsfan · 03-22-2007, 11:31 AM

I know that Woodley has been a topic of discussion in the past, but I just was looking at some more video of him and came away thinking he would be a great fit in our system. Here is what I came away with after my research.

1. While his height is not ideal for OLB in the system, he still is almost 6'2" and at 266 that is a nice size for an OLB in the Patriots system.

2. He does have some experience at LB at Michigan. He also uses his hands really well.

3. He is an awesome pass rusher, which the Patriots could really use, but from what I saw, he is very good against the run as well and seems to set the corner very effectively.

4. He is one of the better tacklers I have seen so far, always raps up and hits the person square.

I know that we have signed AD, but overall depth is still going to be an issue. Colvin has been inconsistent and I think Woodley is very similar to what McGinest was for this team. I am not sure how well Woodley is in pass coverage, but Willie was never great at it either. I also think Woodley could move inside as well, which would mean his stock would rise because of versatility.

Brady'sButtBoy · 03-22-2007, 11:38 AM

Because if he's on the Pats, every time they say his name I'll be reminded of ol' Dave Woodley and his Miami teammates back when they beat us all the time. And so it'll never happen, I know it...trust me.

***cstjohn17*** · 03-22-2007, 12:08 PM

I think he can play OLB but the question is where does he get drafted?

He is a big reach at 28 and will likely be gone at 91. Unless the Pats trade back I don't see it happening.

Not that is matters but I like Spencer better than Woodley.

midwestpatsfan · 03-22-2007, 12:27 PM

Not that is matters but I like Spencer better than Woodley.[/QUOTE]

That is where you and I disagree. I just don't see Spencer as a very good OLB in this system, he seems like a pass rusher and that is about it, not quite versatile enough for me.

***Box_O_Rocks*** · 03-22-2007, 12:30 PM

It's not a question of can't, it's a question of value. Woods from that same program is currently the number one OLB reserve on the roster. As a UDFA he is excellent value. Woodley is anticipated to go in the second round, is he that much of an improvement on Woods? I'd much rather try and land dual-purpose LBs like Bradley, Robison, or DeOssie in rounds 2-4, or look at DE to OLB prospects like Moore, Hickman, Ford, or Trusnik Day 2/UDFA.

sebman2112 · 03-22-2007, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Box_O_Rocks

It's not a question of can't, it's a question of value. Woods from that same program is currently the number one OLB reserve on the roster. As a UDFA he is excellent value. Woodley is anticipated to go in the second round, is he that much of an improvement on Woods? I'd much rather try and land dual-purpose LBs like Bradley, Robison, or DeOssie in rounds 2-4, or look at DE to OLB prospects like Moore, Hickman, Ford, or Trusnik Day 2/UDFA.

How is Bradley more versatile than Woodley again? Also, don't make me LOL by comparing Woodley to Pierre Woods. They have totally different builds, and totally different playing styles.

Handel · 03-22-2007, 12:53 PM

According to Mike Mayock neither Woodley and Spencer are good potential 3-4... They are better hands down according to him.

sebman2112 · 03-22-2007, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Handel

According to Mike Mayock neither Woodley and Spencer are good potential 3-4... They are better hands down according to him.

Different scouts think both could be good 3-4 OLB's, and I've even seen a few talk about Woodley as a 3-4 ILB, so really everyone has their own opinion. I agree with Mayock a lot of times, but this isn't one of them. Also, I would rather have Woodley as a versatile LB, who primarily plays ILB, but also rotates at OLB. I really think Woodley could be a very good ILB, with a lot of versatility.

***DaBruinz*** · 03-22-2007, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sebman2112

How is Bradley more versatile than Woodley again? Also, don't make me LOL by comparing Woodley to Pierre Woods. They have totally different builds, and totally different playing styles.

Bradley is more Versatile because he can play ILB and OLB. Where Woodley would be limited to OLB and possible DE in a 4-3 alignment. Woodley is a 2 down LB as he was pulled in situations where he would have been required to drop back into coverage. Bradley would be able to stay on the field in those situations. Bradley has the ability to cover players.

Yes, Pierre Woods and Lamar Woodley have different builds and totally different playing styles. Woods is taller, but not as heavy as Woodley.

***DaBruinz*** · 03-22-2007, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sebman2112

Different scouts think both could be good 3-4 OLB's, and I've even seen a few talk about Woodley as a 3-4 ILB, so really everyone has their own opinion. I agree with Mayock a lot of times, but this isn't one of them. Also, I would rather have Woodley as a versatile LB, who primarily plays ILB, but also rotates at OLB. I really think Woodley could be a very good ILB, with a lot of versatility.

How do you figure that Woodley could be a good ILB? One of the knocks against him is his inability to cover people. Another knock is that he hasn't developed good read/react abilities and relies mainly on instinct.

What makes you believe that Woodley has the abilities to play in coverage from the ILB position?